Do you have gaps in your home school? You know what I mean - those subjects you just can't or don't seem to get to or only touch on sporadically, no matter how good your intentions. Don't worry - we all do and it's perfectly normal. For most of us, gap subjects include one or more of the fine arts - music theory and appreciation, art technique and appreciation, etc. especially if you are not artistically inclined. So what to do? Indeed, you can't get to everything but you should definitely make it a priority to get to some of these "gap" things, including art instruction. A couple of years ago the SMH was in this wonderful art class where this dear Christian lady taught the children art as God's handiwork. I was so disappointed when she had to stop teaching to finish her degree and had not been able to find a suitable replacement - until now!!
Spears' Art Studio (www.spearsartstudio.com) puts out a complete Christian Art Curriculum, and it came to me in a teeny little package to review for The Old Schoolhouse Crew. I couldn't imagine what treasures lay in store!! On one simple CD-rom is a comprehensive program for teaching art with a thoroughly Biblical perspective. And if you are like me and not naturally gifted in this area (all I can draw are stick people- but it speaks to this inherited vs. learned question too!), you needn't worry because the program's creator, Diane Spears, is a Doctor of Christian Education and has literally done the Lord's work in laying out everything you need to lead your children through the program. Step by step, she thoughtfully explains everything from "what is art," to "what is a dimensional plane!" Each month's themes are timely and will dovetail very nicely with the seasonal topics and church calendar events your family already celebrates. For example, in December you can work on projects like an Advent Calendar, The Name of Jesus, Christmas Gifts and Crafts, and Attractive Packaging; in February, learn about Heart and Spirit for Valentine's Day. Everything is laid out for you - supplies needed (nothing too obscure or unusual - the basic art materials!!), what to teach and when, and exactly how to teach it to everyone from your Kindergartner to your middle schooler.
Chock full of teacher helps, set up for use during an academic year, easily used for different grade levels at one time, professionally produced, strongly supported by sound academic literature and research (Art is GOOD for the brain!!), and based entirely on God's word, this is most definitely a program you should consider adding to your family's curricula. And the best reason to give this serious consideration lies in the dedication that appears in every document they produce:
All products of Spears Art Studio, Inc. are dedicated to the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Amen! We are fearfully and wonderfully made by the hands of the Great Artist Himself - we should purpose to share this knowledge with our children and Spears' Arts Studio is a perfect way to do it!
Comments